Sausage Minestrone Soup Recipe

Sausage Minestrone Soup is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines hearty vegetables, savory sausage, and a rich broth to create a filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This soup is packed with layers of flavor, thanks to the seasoned sausage, aromatic vegetables, and Italian herbs. It’s a complete meal in itself, with a delicious medley of beans, pasta, and greens, all swimming in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner to warm up with on a cold night or a healthy, hearty lunch, this recipe delivers a cozy, nourishing bowl that will leave you feeling satisfied. The combination of Italian sausage, kidney beans, white beans, and fresh spinach makes for a nutritious and balanced dish, while the pasta adds a lovely texture to the soup. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and easily customizable to suit your preferences. So grab a pot, get ready to simmer up some warmth, and enjoy this classic Italian-inspired soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

The combination of Italian sausage, beans, and pasta makes this soup incredibly hearty and satisfying.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together in just under an hour.

3. Packed with Veggies

Zucchini, carrots, celery, and spinach add a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.

4. Versatile

This soup can be easily adapted by adding your favorite vegetables, beans, or pasta types.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup stores well in the fridge and can be made in advance for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner all week long.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage
• Olive oil
• Zucchini
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• Kidney beans
• White beans
• Green beans
• Small shell pasta
• Baby spinach
• Parsley
• Parmesan cheese

Variations

Try Different Sausages

Swap the Italian sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for a different flavor.

Add Extra Greens

Add kale, swiss chard, or arugula for even more nutrition and a change in texture.

Use a Different Pasta

Instead of shell pasta, you can use elbow macaroni, rotini, or ditalini.

Make it Spicy

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the soup to give it a little kick.

Use Other Beans

Feel free to swap the kidney beans and white beans for chickpeas, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot, stirring for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasoning

Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Add Beans and Pasta

Add the kidney beans, white beans, green beans, and small shell pasta to the soup. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish Cooking

Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve the soup in bowls and top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen green beans.
• For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or blend part of the soup.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to avoid it becoming mushy in the soup.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth as a base.

How to Serve

This Sausage Minestrone Soup is delicious served with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a more filling meal, you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread. The soup can also be topped with extra cheese for added richness and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Let it cool to room temperature, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works as a great substitute for Italian sausage.

2. Can I make this soup without pasta?

Yes, you can omit the pasta for a lower-carb version, or substitute with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a kick.

4. Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook the fresh beans separately before adding them to the soup.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be substituted for fresh ones, though you may need to adjust cooking times.

6. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, the soup is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use gluten-free pasta.

7. How do I make the soup thicker?

You can mash some of the beans or blend part of the soup to achieve a thicker texture.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can easily replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

9. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?

Add the pasta towards the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or tomatoes.

Conclusion

Sausage Minestrone Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any season. With its savory sausage, tender beans, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, it offers a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for something cozy on a chilly night, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of your favorite bread.

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